Monterey, California — A powerful atmospheric river that swept through California over the weekend has triggered a renewed risk of flooding, with rain expected to continue into Monday. The storm has claimed at least six lives, including a tragic incident involving a young girl who was swept into the ocean at Garrapata State Park. Her body was recovered on Sunday, about half a mile from where she went missing.
The 7-year-old girl, identified as the daughter of 39-year-old Yuji Hu from Alberta, Canada, vanished during a family trip while her father attempted to rescue her from perilous waves reaching 15 to 20 feet. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Hu also lost his life in the struggle, while the girl’s mother was fortunate to be rescued by an off-duty lifeguard after being caught in the surf.
Rainfall across Southern California shattered historical records on Saturday, surpassing totals that dated back to the devastating floods of 1952. Areas such as downtown Los Angeles and regional airports in Long Beach and Burbank experienced rainfall levels unseen in decades. Local officials had anticipated the storm’s impact, especially in regions scarred by earlier wildfires, which make areas more vulnerable to flash floods and mudslides.
As a precaution, mandatory evacuation orders were implemented for residents near burn scars from the Palisades and Eaton fires. In Altadena, workers deployed sandbags in an effort to mitigate flooding risks and protect homes from potential water runoff.
The storm’s repercussions were felt well beyond southern regions. In Santa Cruz County, a fallen tree damaged a California Highway Patrol vehicle, injuring the officer inside. Farther north, tragedy struck in Sutter County, where a 71-year-old man died when his vehicle was swept away in floodwaters while he attempted to navigate a submerged road.
The National Weather Service has continued to issue advisories, urging residents to remain cautious in the wake of ongoing precipitation and the already saturated ground. Many are now assessing the aftermath of the storm, which has left roads compromised and communities dealing with the costly effects of flooding.
Emergency response teams are actively working to rescue individuals still trapped and to clear debris from affected roadways. As weather conditions evolve, local authorities are stressing the importance of community preparedness and cooperation in maintaining safety during such extreme weather events.